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A planned pay rise for members of Kenya’s cabinet and parliament will not be implemented after President William Ruto ordered a review of the scheme following a public outcry.
A week ago, mass protests forced Ruto to abandon a controversial finance bill that included tax increases.
Wages and Remuneration Commission (SRC) chairperson Lyn Mengich said on Wednesday the commission would “freeze” pay increases for public servants due to “current economic realities”.
Initially, the SRC recommended a 2% to 5% salary increase for all government officials, including judges.
People began to question how it was possible that the salaries of politicians, including the governor, could increase during the so-called financial crisis.
Ms Mungić said the change was made following discussions with National Treasury.
Last year, the CSRC issued a notice proposing to raise wage standards starting from the beginning of this month.
But Public Service Minister Moses Kuria said he would not impose an “applicable” pay rise on the cabinet.
Ruto abandoned plans to increase taxes after protesters complained that they could not afford to pay as they were already hit by a sharp rise in the cost of living.
Many say the government should first cut spending, which President Ruto has vowed to do.
Several lawmakers, including ruling coalition Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, have called on parliament to reject the pay rise.
Adan Keynan, an opposition MP aligned with the government, expressed similar views, calling the proposed pay rise “ill-timed”.
Opposition Senator Edwin Sifuna said it made no sense to raise wages “when the whole country is saying we need to reduce the burden on taxpayers”.
On Tuesday, the National Assembly secretary, Samuel Njoroge, told The People that the SRC’s recommendation could not be overturned as it affected all state officials.
“These changes are normal salary adjustments or increases in any organization,” he said, according to the report.
But Ruto has asked the Treasury to review the notification.
“The president stressed that now more than ever, the executive branch and all parts of government must live within their means.” His spokesperson issued a statement saying.
Last week’s youth-led protests were the largest in Kenya since Ruto took office in 2022.
The demonstrations have since evolved into calls for his resignation and for security forces to face justice for the killings of protesters.
The state-funded Human Rights Commission estimates that 39 people have been killed in demonstrations over the past two weeks.
Shops and supermarkets were looted on Tuesday as protests appeared to have degenerated into anarchy.
Police released photos of 38 people wanted for “engaging in illegal activities”.
Some young Kenyans involved in organizing the protests have claimed that hired “thugs” have infiltrated the demonstrations.
They said they were reassessing their strategy and even considering canceling the protests altogether.
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